Adhesive-Backed Strain Gauge Sensors

The majority of foil strain gages are installed using an adhesive system that is purchased separately from the strain gage itself. On some Micro-Measurements gage types it is possible to order the gages with a B-staged epoxy adhesive already applied to the gage backing. B-staged adhesives are a family of adhesives that when initially applied are dry to the touch but can be re-liquefied and fully cured through exposure to heat and pressure. How do you use it them? Gages ordered with B-staged adhesive are shipped in special non-contaminating flat trays. To install the gages you simply remove them from the trays place them at the desired bonding location and hold them temporarily with a small piece of MJG-2 tape. Then apply normal bonding pressure and oven-cure. No additional adhesive is needed. Advantagesdisadvantages: The biggest advantage is in not having to purchase mix apply and store a separate adhesive for gage bonding. The biggest disadvantages are dealing with gages that now have a shelf life approximately six months under lab conditions and needing to use tape to hold them during cure. Availability: Two conditions must be met. First the gages must be film-backed Micro-Measurements series N2A J2A N2K J2K and J5K and the gages must be small enough to fit into the flat trays. Operating temperature range: -452F to 250F -269C to 120C,

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